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A Framework for Measuring Accessibility as a Metric of Quality of Life in Polycentric Cities
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- Author / Creator
- Zarekani,Mojgan
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The concept of quality of life has been an ongoing subject of discussion—both theoretical and empirical—in the field of urban development. There is strong subjective (opinion-based) evidence suggesting the existence of a link between an individual’s perception of their living environment and their quality of life. However, setting up an experimental framework for measuring quality of life is challenging since this type of investigation requires researchers to first answer the question of what factors could impact an individual’s perception of quality of life, in particular those related to neighbourhood development and available services. It is important to note that, if appropriately chosen, factors affecting quality of life as it pertains to land development and land use can serve as metrics for urban developers and municipal planners in building attractive neighbourhoods. This, in turn, will lead to thriving cities/municipalities, and will promote sustainable social and economic development.
This thesis presents a methodology to measure the effect of neighbourhood development on the quality of urban life of residents, and assesses the impact of combining objective (quantitative) and subjective (qualitative) variables to evaluate quality of life in select neighbourhoods of a polycentric city (i.e., a city with more than one hub, or sub-centre, of services and activity). A case study that involves four neighbourhoods in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology and illustrate its essential features. -
- Subjects / Keywords
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- Graduation date
- Spring 2015
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- Type of Item
- Thesis
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- Degree
- Master of Science
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- License
- This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.